Since there was a polar vortex the past six months in New York, I decided to take a mini-vacation and cruise to the Bahamas. Having been on my fair share of cruises in the past, I knew what to expect: umbrella drinks, sea-sickness, and food.

Astoria, Queens is quickly becoming my favorite place to grab a bite to eat. Located just minutes away from the city, this quaint borough of New York City is populated with some of the city’s coolest people, greatest bars, and trendiest restaurants.

Last night, I ventured downtown (well, to Chelsea) to meet a friend for dinner at Il Bastardo. I have been there before and I remembered they had the best pumpkin ravioli, so I was extremely excited to go back and enjoy one of my favorite fall-themed meals.

Last night, I celebrated the end of a stressful week the best way I knew how: I went out to dinner. I know, most people my age usually de-stress with a glass of wine or an herbal substance. But me? I de-stress by food.

My 27th birthday was over a month ago, and during that time, I was blessed and spoiled with gifts from my family and friends. Clothes, money, dinners, and a gift card to a restaurant in New York City called “The Baconery.”

This past Friday was the first Friday night that I did not spend at home, wearing my pajamas and ordering food on Seamless from a place called “Tacos de Mexico.” My friends and I were planning to go see “Gone Girl” on opening night –

I have lived in Astoria for a little under a year now, and I am always surprised at the abundance of great restaurants are in the area. It seems like every time I go for a walk (which is rare because I’m lazy as shit) I find a brand new restaurant to try.